Peter Chong raises some very interesting points about being treated as a second-class citizen in this country. I however disagree that it is okay for affirmative action policies to be targeted at Malays.

It is this very acceptance of racism that is fractionalising Malaysian society. As long as we continue to accept and condone any form of racism, we will be headed for doom.

There are a few things I feel the Malaysian government should consider at this present moment with regards to the issue of racism currently being discussed.

1) Revoke the New Economic Policy and replace it with a Malaysian Economic Policy

Under the MEP, no affirmative action is granted o­n the basis of race. The focus of this policy will shift to the poor people of Malaysia - regardless of race.

Fundamentally, the NEP was coined to narrow the gap between the haves and the have nots. That policy has already succeeded in what it wanted to do, which was to narrow the economic gap between the Malays and the non-Malays.

However, the gap between the rich and the poor have now shifted beyond racial lines. This is especially evident in the Indian community in our estates.

People regardless of race could benefit from such a structure. After all, what makes a rich Malay student more deserving of a place in University Teknologi Mara when compared to a poor Chinese or Indian student? Quotas based o­n income brackets is acceptable. Quotas based o­n race should be looked down upon and reviewed.

2) Grant bumiputera status to all Malaysians born after Independence

Let's face it. There is no way Indians in this country can associate themselves with India. Neither can the Chinese with China. You go to a hockey game, you see us supporting Malaysia.

When we go overseas, meeting another Malaysian - regardless of race - always brings about a warm feeling. To be honest, many of us could never live without Malaysian food, the weather and the lifestyle. We are truly born 'Anak Malaysia' - complete with our nasi lemak and keropok lekor pot bellies! Therefore, there is no reason why we should not be granted bumiputera status.

The relevance of this gesture lies in the fact that the government recognises all of us Malaysians as equals - not as Chinese, or Indians, or Sikhs, or Eurasians. We are not migrants. We are Malaysians.

Are these proposals too idealistic? I don't think so. The first proposal, continues to help poor Malays but extends it to other Malaysians too. The second is pretty much a symbolic gesture that will go a long way in helping to mend race ties.

Malaysia is a peaceful and harmonious country. Let's not put our heads in the sand and pretend that all is fine and dandy. The sooner we ask and answer the hard questions, the better for us all.